‘Farmland Palooza’ is May 16

PALMER — The community is invited to Farmland Palooza, a free event from 1-5 p.m., May 16, will take place next to the former Hamilton Dairy Farm across South Inner Springer Loop from the fairgrounds.

The event includes live music, a petting zoo and a picnic featuring food donated by Alaska growers and farmers, and celebrates an agreement signed between the Alaska State Fair and Alaska Farmland Trust last fall that permanently protects nearly 40 acres of fair property as farmland.

“The generosity of the fair in making this agreement possible is unprecedented. By placing this piece of land in the Farmland Trust, we are securing some of the best farmland in Alaska for all future generations. With the high pressure for development of this land, this is a legacy the Alaska State Fair can be very proud of,” said Carol Kenley, fair board president and Valley farmer.

Music will be provided by Mountain Waxwings, Carhartt Brothers, and C-String Band, from 1-2 p.m. and from 2:30-5 p.m.

A brief program is from 2-2:30 p.m., followed by the All-Alaska Picnic at 2:30 p.m.

Food at the picnic is donated by Alaska growers and farmers and prepared by Bistro Red Beet.

The menu includes a wide range of Alaska Grown veggies, bread and baked goods made with wild-gathered and cultivated grains and veggies, and meat from local producers.

And, 200 OS Cross cabbage seedlings will be given away, along with growing tips from the experts and information on how to enter the Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off at the fair.

The fair supported the effort with a $250,000 contribution toward the cost of the conservation easement, which is now held by the Alaska Farmland Trust.

The value of the farmland is nearly $900,000, but the fair’s contribution brought the final cost to just more than $640,000. The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and legislative funding helped the Alaska Farmland Trust purchase the conservation rights.

The Mat-Su Farm Bureau and the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District also provided some financial support.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org.